Funeral services for Ralph Epperly, age 80, of Mobridge will be at 11 AM, Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2 to 6 PM at the funeral home. Ralph passed away Friday, April 15, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Mobridge.

Ralph Elbert Epperly was born on October 6, 1930 to Maude Epperly in Christiansburg, VA. He entered into the US Air Force at the age of 17. He served for 24 years as a medical Corpsman and was honorably discharged on October 1, 1970. While serving he was stationed in Texas, England, and Italy and obtained the rank of Master Sergeant. During this time Ralph married Carol Strickland to this union four children were born: Pamela, Ralph C. "Skip", Deborah, and Paula.

On June 29, 1967, Ralph married Linda Pedersen at Webb Air Force Base, Texas. Shortly after their marriage Linda was stationed in Italy and Ralph joined her six months later. After his discharge they moved to Rapid City where Linda was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. They lived in Rapid City until 1974 before moving to California for a short time. They then returned to Rapid City, where Ralph worked for the school system for 11 years before retiring. In 1998 they moved to Mobridge where he has since resided.

Ralph loved woodworking, fishing, taking care of his lawn and his rose garden. His lawn was something he prided himself on. Ralph was an animal lover always having a dog or two. Ralph and Linda also loved to travel, making several trips to see their children.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Linda of Mobridge, son, Ralph C. "Skip" Epperly of Hampton, VA, three daughters, Pamela Mondick of Rapid City, Deborah (Lee) Wilson of Mobile, AL, and Paula (Walter) Owens of Crestview, FL, 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his mother and his brother, Bobby.